NCT07507370 · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
CARED : A Novel Rapid Treatment Paradigm for Depression
(CARED)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to primarily assess the feasibility and secondarily assess the effectiveness of a single session intervention (SSI) that combines non-invasive brain stimulation and psychotherapy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to primarily assess the feasibility and secondarily assess the efficacy of a single session intervention (SSI) that combines non-invasive brain stimulation and psychotherapy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). investigators will recruit 30 people with MDD, with at least mild to moderate symptoms, who are resistant to typical treatments for Major Depressive Disorder. In this trial, participants will receive psychotherapy, Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (iTBS), and either active or sham (placebo) Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS).
Interventions
DEVICE
Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS)
The TMS stimulation will be delivered using the MagPro X100 system (MagVenture Inc., Alpharetta, Georgia, USA). Participants will receive theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) consisting of 1,800 biphasic pulses delivered in bursts of three pulses at 50 Hz, repeated at 5 Hz (2-s trains, 8-s inter-train interval, 30 trains total per block), at an intensity of 90 % of the resting motor threshold. TMS will be delivered before each tACS/therapy block (over the tACS electrodes), totaling 5 blocks of TMS throughout the single session intervention.
DEVICE
Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS)
The alpha and -theta tACS stimulation will be delivered using the neuroConn DC Stimulator MC.The interventional tACS stimulation will be 120 minutes of tACS total; 60 minutes will be delivered during the second block of therapy and 60 minutes will be delivered during the third block of therapy.F3 and F4 will be stimulated 'in-phase', with 1 mA applied at each location, and Cz will be stimulated 'anti-phase' with 2mA applied (zero to peak). tACS will be delivered with a 20 second ramp up and ramp down, at the beginning and end of stimulation. The stimulation amplitude delivered is standard for tACS studies conducted in the Frohlich Lab.
BEHAVIORAL
Psychotherapy
The three, 1-hour psychotherapy blocks were designed to incorporate effective components from multiple psychotherapies, with an emphasis on functional analysis to define the presenting concern, followed by Behavioral Activation (BA) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy modules to target low mood and psychological flexibility, respectively. The SSI was designed to incorporate ACT principles throughout the modules, guided by the tenets of psychological flexibility, as described by Hayes. Be present, open up, do what matters. The manual was created by a team of several advanced clinical trainees and two licensed clinical psychologists. The last 10 minutes of each session will be spent briefly reviewing the day's activities, what stood out for participants (negative or positive), and whether they had feedback for the clinician.
DEVICE
Sham (Placebo) Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS)
Participants will be fitted with the same tACS setup and will receive sham tACS in which alpha-theta tACS is delivered for 40 seconds before ramping down to close to 0 mA of current (20 second ramp up and ramp down; total 80 seconds of stimulation). This active sham is designed to mimic the sensation of receiving stimulation without delivering a sufficient dose of tACS to influence the efficacy of the SSI.
Primary outcome measures
Safety via the presence of any serious AEs
Time frame: Day 0 (Baseline) to Day 90 (Follow-up 2)
The number of serious adverse events (SAEs) determined to be related to intervention in both experimental and sham arms.
Feasibility of the Single Session Intervention
Time frame: Day 0 (Baseline)
Number of enrolled participants who successfully complete the intervention session.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Any gender, aged 18 - 70
- Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
- DSM-5 diagnosis of unipolar, non-psychotic MDD as evidenced by the Diagnostic Interview for Anxiety, Mood, and Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders (DIAMOND)
- HDRS-17 score ≥14
- Low suicide risk (defined for this study as no active suicidal ideation in the past month and no suicide attempts, preparatory actions, or significant non-suicidal self-harm in the previous 2 years). Risk will be assessed utilizing the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) screen and triage version with further exploration of positive responses.
- Capacity to understand all relevant risks and potential benefits of the study (informed consent).
- For people of childbearing potential: use of highly effective contraception as determined by the Investigator for at least 1 month prior to screening and agreement to use such a method during study participation
- History of treatment resistance as indicated by previously or currently not achieving clinically significant symptom reduction on at least one antidepressant medication. This will be evaluated using the Maudsley Treatment Inventory (MTI). Participants with scores greater than or equal to 3 on the MTI will be included.
Exclusion criteria
- DSM-5 diagnosis of severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) within the last 12 months, as evidenced by the DIAMOND
- DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate to severe substance use disorder (excluding tobacco) within the last 12 months, as evidenced by the DIAMOND
- Lifetime history of bipolar disorder, as evidenced by DIAMOND
- Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, as evidenced by DIAMOND
- History of autism spectrum disorder (self-reported by participants)
- Initiated any new psychotropic medication in the 6 weeks prior to screening or had a dose change in the preceding 6 weeks
- Initiated a new course of psychotherapy in the 6 weeks preceding screening
- Received any neurostimulation treatment in the 6 weeks preceding screening
- History of seizures (excluding febrile seizures in childhood or Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) induced seizures)
- Neurological disorders that would increase risk of participation or present a significant confounder in the opinion of the investigator (for example, dementia, history of stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, history of traumatic brain injury with prolonged loss of consciousness, ruptured cerebral aneurysm, previous CNS radiation)
- Previously failed to respond to ECT or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Prior brain surgery and/or brain implants
- Personal or familia history of epilepsy
- Previous fainting spells or syncope
- Metal in the brain, skull or elsewhere in the body
- Implanted medical device that uses electricity and any implanted devices in other areas of the head or neck, or implants located \< 30cm from the position of the TMS coil
- Current pregnancy or lactation
- Currently enrolled in another clinical trial for depression
- Unstable medical disorder or anything that would place the participant at increased risk or preclude the participant's full compliance with or completion of the study, in the opinion of the Investigator
- Non-English speaking individuals are excluded because the ability to accurately and completely communicate study information, answer questions about the study, and obtain consent in the English language are necessary, and due to resource constraints it is not feasible to engage an interpreter for language services.
Where
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Collaborators
Foundation of Hope, North Carolina
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations